Wednesday, July 21, 2010

CultofMac has published an exclusive report stating that T-Mobile USA is very close to getting the iPhone in the fall.

According to a highly placed source at the wireless company, talks between Apple and T-Mobile are at an advanced stage with an 80 percent likelihood that the T-Mobile will get the device in Q3.

The source works at T-Mobile but asked not to be quoted directly and to remain anonymous because they aren’t authorized to talk to the press. T-Mobile’s parent company, Deutsche Telekom, which carries the iPhone in Germany, was able to influence, the source said. T-Mobile USA is the fourth-largest U.S. carrier with 33.7 million customers.

Although most of the discussion involving another carrier centers around Verizon, some analysts think it would be simpler for Apple to go with T-Mobile given its use of similar cellular technology. Also, Verizon has strongly aligned itself with Google, heavily marketing Android phones, and even mocking Apple and the iPhone.

ThinkFlood has announced that the RedEye mini, their universal remote adapter for the iPhone, iPod, and iPad, is now available.

RedEye mini, the second product in ThinkFlood's RedEye remote line, plugs into the headphone jack of the iPhone, iPod touch and iPad -- transforming it into a completely portable universal remote. RedEye mini hardware requires the RedEye app, a free download from the App Store.

"RedEye mini works so seamlessly and seems so simple in concept that it's easy to overlook the amount of engineering that went into it," said ThinkFlood President and Founder Matt Eagar. "Ultimately, it's that surface simplicity which makes it wonderful -- just drop the mini into your headphone jack and immediately you have a powerful, customizable remote that goes beyond systems costing several times as much. It's also a lot of fun."

Features:● Available now in 52 countries (US MSRP $49)● Compatible with iPhone, iPod touch and iPad● Download IR codes anywhere using a 3G connection or Wi-Fi● Activity-based control and macros (common in advanced home theater remotes)● Smaller than a thumb drive; comes with carrying case● Database of 45,000+ IR codes; ability to learn commands from existing remotes● Free in-app TV program/channel guide (coming later this summer for the US and Canada)● Customizable touchscreen buttons, Multi-Touch and motion gesture shortcuts● Leaves iOS device's dock connector open for charging

It looks like Verizon is planning to follow AT&T's lead in charging customers more for data, according to Engadget.

We're hearing that Big Red intends to move to some sort of tiered bucket strategy on July 29. We don't have details on whether the pricing will be identical to AT&T's ($25 for 2GB, $15 for 200MB), but we imagine it'll be within shouting distance if not.

PayPal’s mobile money application is the faster way to send money with your iPhone® to friends and family anytime, anywhere. It’s much easier than going to the ATM to withdraw cash, writing checks, and sending gifts the traditional way. And you can manage your PayPal account right from your mobile device. All of this with the security and protection you get from PayPal.

Flipboard takes your Facebook and Twitter and turns it into a magazine for the iPad.

Flipboard is the world's first social magazine. Your Flipboard is a fast, beautiful way to flip through news, photos and updates your friends are sharing on Facebook and Twitter. And it’s an incredible place to discover fresh content from around the Twittersphere.

Flipboard brings the timeless layout of print media to social media. No more scrolling through long lists of posts and links. No more jumping back and forth between websites. Your Flipboard is everything you care about in one place. It's your magazine. It's your Flipboard.

Reaction Software has released version 2.0 of That Word, a word-finding game for the iPhone and iPod touch. The goal of That Word is to accumulate as many points as possible by spelling as many words as you can from six randomly selected letters. Each set of six letters can spell at least one six-letter word, which must be found to continue to the next level.

That Word 2.0 includes many enhancements to the original: new authentic sound effects recorded specifically for That Word; an online scoreboard; a new scoring scheme with many ways to earn bonus points (or lose points); a "Word of the Day" feature (to help players learn some of the more obscure 6-letter words needed to do well in That Word); the ability to listen to iPod music while playing; and improved graphics. Players can share their location, and compare their scores with other players nearby, or globally. The scoreboard also shows top scores from the last 24 hours.

Pricing and Availability:That Word 2.0.12 is $1.99 USD (or equivalent amount in other currencies) and available exclusively through the App Store in the Games category. Promo codes (for the US App Store only) are available for qualified reviewers.

Wulven Game Studios today is pleased to announce a new trailer for Shadow Era, their upcoming collectible trading card game. Set to launch simultaneously on the web, iPhone, iPad, PC and Mac sometime this fall, Shadow Era features both striking artwork and deep strategy not found in other similar games. The initial download will be free while players will be able to earn new cards through gameplay or purchase additional booster packs. Packs of 15 cards will be able to buy for $0.99, using in-game gold, or by completing special "trial offers" from SuperRewards.

Shadow Era is inspired by the more strategic trading card games, bringing the traditional printed cards into into the digital realm and adding a rich backstory and RPG elements. You will build a deck from a total of 200 unique cards with some of the most amazing art you have ever seen. Complete missions against the Shadow Warriors, or battle against other players to gain experience, and win new card packs each time you level up!

The core card game features two enemy Heroes battling, and you can recruit Allies to join in the fray. The objective is simply to kill the enemy Hero, but obviously the challenge is to also keep your own Hero alive. Should you take out the enemy Allies first, or go straight for the Hero? That's for you to decide... To further add to the strategy, there are weapon and armor cards to improve your Hero's stats, as well as ability and spell cards.

Beyond the core game, there is a RPG style level progression and tournament ladder. You can complete missions against the Shadow Warriors, or challenge other player's decks. Each battle you fight will gain you experience, and at each level you will be rewarded with Novice Card Packs which contain 3 random common cards. At higher levels you can start to earn Expert Card Packs which have a chance of uncommon cards. For those of you who simply can't wait to play a quality TCG, beta signups are now open for Shadow Era online.

USB Fever has announced the availability of a car headrest mount for the iPad.

If you have difficulties to mount your iPad / eee pc / LCD to your windshield windows, you may consider to mount it to the headrest for the people sitting at the rear seats.It is designed for all of the car headrest, just mount and pull down the lock, then you can have your iPad / eeepc / LCD fit to your headrest!

Features:- Easy to Mount: Only takes you 3 Mins to mount.- Easy to use: Simply mount the bracket to your headrest and put the device on then you can go- One release button, easy to remove your device

Livescribe maker of the award-winning Pulse smartpen, unveils Echo, the newest smartpen in its product lineup, along with software enhancements geared for the business professional that make sharing, securing and organizing information simple. Today's announcement also previews new communication and collaboration capabilities coming this fall, including Connect and Paper Tablet, which simplify and streamline the sharing of information within existing workflows using industry-standard document formats like Adobe PDF.

“Livescribe's mission is to enhance the capture, access and sharing of written and spoken information to improve communication, collaboration, productivity and learning,” says Jim Marggraff, CEO and founder of Livescribe. “Today's announcement of the Echo smartpen and preview of our new communication and collaboration tools marks a significant advancement in paper-based computing, as well as personal and professional information management. Notes, audio, and other information captured on paper are now seamlessly integrated into readily used online applications and services. Integration with Adobe PDF brings the communication benefits of audio and ink together in a ubiquitous format for use by millions of people.”

Echo SmartpenThe Echo smartpen captures everything consumers hear and write and provides quick and accurate access to important information by simply tapping on the written notes either directly on paper or on a computer using the Livescribe Desktop software.Echo features a sleek ergonomic design with a rubberized grip and anti-roll surface. It is available in 4GB and 8GB models, recording approximately 400 and 800 hours respectively. This new smartpen also features industry-standard connectors, micro-USB and 3.5 mm audio jack, to enable customers to use their favorite ear buds for private listening as well as share common USB cables with other mobile devices. Click here to see a demonstration of Echo.

The 8GB Echo smartpen features abundant storage, for up to 800 hours of audio or a combination of audio, digital ink and applications. Applications range from rich reference tools like a complete 120,000 word American Heritage Desk Dictionary to simple games and study aids, available from Livescribe's Beta Application Store, which now includes more than 60 applications. Livescribe smartpen applications enhance many aspects of digital life from productivity and education to entertainment and communication, enabling users to customize, personalize and extend their smartpen functionality.

New Smartpen and Livescribe Desktop EnhancementsA variety of free enhancements to Livescribe Desktop and the smartpen have been added for both Echo and Pulse customers.

Launch Line: a new way to access and launch applications in secondsPassword protection: ensures recorded audio on your smartpen remains private and safe

Custom smartpen name: display a name or other contact information on the OLED screen, making identifying the owner of a smartpen easy

Custom notebooks: group and organize notes as easily as creating a playlist in iTunes

Pencast import/export: save and share pencast files locally to your desktop, a server, or to send to others as an integrated audio/notes document. Anyone with the Livescribe Desktop software (free download online) can now open, view and interact with a native Livescribe file

Product AvailabilityAll Livescribe smartpens and the Livescribe Desktop software for Mac and PCs are localized and available in English, French, Italian, German, and Spanish. Additionally Korean, and Chinese languages are supported in the Windows version of the Livescribe Desktop and all smartpens.

Text'nDrive has launched the first iPhone application to read and reply to emails with intelligent speech technology. Designed to help curb the increase in accidents caused by distracted driving while texting or emailing, Text'nDrive enables drivers to listen to and respond to email messages by voice using any hands-free device, so they can keep their hands on the wheel and eyes on the road. No other app allows drivers to reply by voice. iPhone users can currently use the Text'nDrive app to read and respond to their emails while the SMS text feature will be added shortly.

In-car speakerphones, wired connections, Bluetooth headsets, and manufacturer-installed hardware are all supported. Text'nDrive marries road safety and text and email connectivity for the first time.

Many countries and jurisdictions have adopted legislation prohibiting the use of mobile phones while driving unless a hands-free device is used. In North America, 19 states and six provinces have already enacted these laws while most others are applying partial bans or are in the process of passing similar legislation. Text'nDrive offers an easy-to-use solution for drivers who wish to stay connected and avoid costly fines and the dangers associated with texting and emailing while driving.

A recent study from the University of Utah found that each time a driver writes or reads a text message they take their eyes off the road for almost five seconds and increase their risk of a collision by up to 23 times.

"Texting and emailing while driving has unfortunately become commonplace and is the cause of numerous accidents. These incidents alone prove the danger of texting and emailing while operating a motor vehicle" said Text'nDrive CEO, Daniel Robichaud. "We are thrilled to present Text'nDrive(TM) as the innovative solution which we hope will entice more responsible driving habits and ultimately make the roads safer for everyone."

Pricing and Availability:There are both free and pro versions available. Text’nDrive 1.0 is $19.99 USD (or equivalent amount in other currencies) and available worldwide exclusively through the App Store in the Navigation category. For more information on Text'nDrive's features and benefits, please visit Text’nDrive online.